Edina Community Education

You CAN own your own home! In this class we will review the process of buying a home from A-Z, as well as discuss unique funding that is only available to YOU- a first-time home buyer. With one program, it is possible to buy a home for as little as $1000 of your own funds. You are generally a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in the past 3 years. ___________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

This 2SLGBTQIA+ 101 Training covers general terms relating to gender and sexuality, respecting pronouns and how to be an ally to gender non-conforming people. We will dive into thinking about our own experiences with gender and learn about the differences between gender identity, biological sex, gender expression and sexual orientation. _____________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

2SLGBTQIA +201 This is part 2. Please note that the date is different from the print catalog. The new date is 4/9/26. This evidence-based 2SLGBTQIA+ training covers key concepts and general terms relating to gender and sexuality, practical skills for being in allyship with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and grounds the group in intersectionality principles to create safer, more inclusive school environments. Educational Objectives (Attendees will leave with the following): Key 2SLGBTQIA+ concepts, terms, and definitions Practical skills for working with trans, gender non-conforming, and Two Spirit populations in particular A working definition of intersectionality, a brief introduction to its origins, and ways that intersectionality frameworks can create safer, more inclusive school environments This training discusses the concept of intersectionality through a Black Queer Feminist Lens. We will also discuss LGBTQIA2S+ history and a broader overview of intersecting liberation movements. There will be time to discuss your own identities and how intersectionality may impact you and those around you. This event is open to adults and 14 plus attending with an adult. _____________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Waltz is the quintessential ballroom dance; its flowing motion, graceful turns, and delicate control are beloved by newcomers and professionals alike. Spend a month learning Waltz figures, technique, and partner communication, starting with the most basic steps, and discover a gorgeous combination of strength and elegance that will have you hooked for life! Partner dance is for everyone! Sign up solo or with a partner, and learn how to dance with Anne, a social and competitive ballroom dancer with eight years of teaching experience. This course is designed for beginners. __________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Meet new friends as you Walk for Fitness around Centennial Lakes Park! __________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Learn Spanish for travel from the comfort of home! This live, interactive course helps adults master essential phrases for greetings, dining, and directions. With Futura’s engaging approach, you’ll build confidence while having fun. Perfect for beginners and those with some experience. Zoom access and basic computer skills required. Zoom access and basic computer skills required. You will receive a zoom link 48 hours before the start of class in the email that you provided in your Eleyo account. If you have not provided us with an email, please do that by emailing communityed@edinaschools.org. ___________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Always wanted to learn or refresh your Spanish? This class focuses on building conversational skills through interactive practice. Topics include greetings, pronunciation, numbers, food, clothing, and basic grammar. You'll engage in small conversations and explore cultural insights like word origins and dialects. Zoom access and basic computer skills required. You will receive a zoom link 48 hours before the start of class in the email that you provided in your Eleyo account. If you have not provided us with an email, please do that by emailing communityed@edinaschools.org. ___________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Continue your Spanish journey in Beginner Spanish Part Two! Build on conversational skills for directions, restaurants, and everyday interactions. Learn vocabulary on weather, dates, family, and key verbs like ser and tener. Explore cultural topics on food, family, and friendships. Open to new and returning students. Zoom access and basic computer skills required. You will receive a zoom link 48 hours before the start of class in the email that you provided in your Eleyo account. If you have not provided us with an email, please do that by emailing communityed@edinaschools.org. ___________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

This intermediate course helps adults improve conversation skills through interactive lessons. Topics include AR verb conjugation, infinitives, future tense, prepositions, and more. Practice making plans, discussing preferences, and explore holiday traditions in Spanish-speaking countries. Open to new students and previous Beginner Spanish Part 1 and 2 conversation participants. Zoom access and basic computer skills required. You will receive a zoom link 48 hours before the start of class in the email that you provided in your Eleyo account. If you have not provided us with an email, please do that by emailing communityed@edinaschools.org. ___________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Continue building your Spanish skills with interactive conversations, role-playing real-life scenarios, and expanding your vocabulary. This course covers ER & IR verb conjugation, hobbies, sports, and workplace terminology, along with cultural discussions on music, dance, and influential figures in Spanish-speaking countries. Open to students who have completed Intermediate Spanish Part 1 or a beginner conversation course. Zoom access required. You will receive a zoom link in your course confirmation email from community ed. Futura will also email you the link 48 hours before the start of class in the email that you provided in your Eleyo account. If you have not provided us with an email, please do that by emailing communityed@edinaschools.org. ___________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Spend the night moving and grooving to this energetic song - great tune and great moves! In no time at all, you will be the dancing queen! Be prepared for a fabulous night! No partner required. ___________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Join us for this vibrant and inclusive art experience tailored to every skill level! In this engaging series, each participant will create up to 2-3 unique artworks using an array of mixed media of their choice-from bold acrylics and paint markers to expressive pastels and color pencils. With a cozy and person-centered class size limited to 6, you'll receive lots of one-to-one support and the freedom to choose your inspiration: whether it's your beloved pet, a mouth-watering dessert, or a favorite vacation spot-special requests are warmly welcomed. Have fun, grow your confidence and creativity, all while learning more about you! Each student or their guardian is required to have a conversation with Candice Simpson, the instructor, prior to the class start date. This will allow her to learn about the students' individual needs/circumstance. She will reach out to each student prior to the start date. Please note that the guardian will remain on site in the welcome area of the Edina Community Center building. There is a couch area with high counter workspaces for you to use. The welcome area is right next to the classroom in the event that a student needs assistance. Students attend class on their own, thereby fostering their independence and unique sense of creativity. This class is designed for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and neurodiverse individuals. Please note that two of the dates for this series have changed. The second and third session will now be held on a Monday. __________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Breathe, stretch, and shine! This beginner-friendly yoga class is designed especially for adults with disabilities who want to move their bodies, calm their minds, and connect with others in a fun and supportive environment. We'll explore gentle poses, breathing techniques, and simple relaxation practices to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and focus—all at your own pace. Whether you're seated, standing, or somewhere in between, every body is welcome, and every movement can be adapted. No experience needed—just come as you are and get ready to feel good! Caregivers are welcome to attend and participate or observe if they wish. Each student or their guardian is strongly encouraged to have a conversation with the instructor, prior to the class start date. The instructor will reach out to you. This will allow her to learn about the students' individual needs/circumstance. Please note that the guardian will remain on site. This class is designed for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and neurodiverse individuals. __________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Join Katie for an invigorating and transformative yoga practice in this Ashtanga Yoga class! Designed to suit all experience levels, this class will guide you through a dynamic sequence of poses synchronized with breath, building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, Katie’s expert guidance and supportive teaching style will help you find balance, focus, and energy. Bring a water bottle and your favorite yoga mat if you have one. Bolsters, yoga blocks, cushions, and mats provided. _________________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date.Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

You will have the opportunity to try this one ballet class with Kaether Birkner's accomplished guest instructor, Marina Hathway. Get you ballet muscles warmed up before Kaethe's classes start the week following. Improve your fitness, strength, and flexibility with adult ballet in a fun, supportive, and community-focused setting—no tutu required! Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking for a local alternative to city studios with city parking, we have a class for you! With multiple levels and schedules, our professionally trained instructors help you build technique, prevent injury, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of ballet. You will also get the opportunity to build community and friendships in a healthy and welcoming environment. Marina Hathway has previously danced with several companies, including the Kansas City Ballet and Cary Ballet Company. She brings a wealth of knowledge instilled in her from a conservatory education and a rich teaching career. Her passion for dance extends beyond ballet and includes all forms of dance as well as choreography, nutrition, and physical health and wellness for dancers.This led to her certifications in yoga, nutrition, and massage therapy. She hopes to share her love of dance and movement with everyone she meets. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ballet 1 Specifics: Ready to build on your ballet basics? Ballet 1 is perfect for those who have completed Intro to Ballet or who have a solid grasp of foundational barre steps (plies, tendus, developpés, etc.). Continue developing technique, alignment, and artistry with individual corrections in an encouraging and welcoming setting. You will learn new barre and center steps, and begin incorporating more complex movements and arm positions (port de bras). This beginner-intermediate level class is also ideal for returning or advanced dancers looking to improve form in a slower-paced setting. Attend in person, online via Zoom, or a mix of both. Questions? Contact the instructor at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. Why take ballet? Here are some of our favorite benefits: Increased balance, strength, mobility, coordination, and flexibility Improve cardio, core strength and posture/alignment Reduce risk of Alzheimer's and dementia Stress reduction Injury and pain prevention “Putting your hand on the barre makes the rest of the world melt away”, also known as escape and you time! Perfect for helping you keep an active (and social) lifestyle! Marina Hathway has previously danced with several companies, including the Kansas City Ballet and Cary Ballet Company. She brings a wealth of knowledge instilled in her from a traditional ballet conservatory education and a rich teaching career. Her passion for dance extends beyond ballet and includes all forms of dance as well as choreography, nutrition, and physical health and wellness for dancers.This led to her certifications in yoga, nutrition, and massage therapy. She hopes to share her love of dance and movement with everyone she meets! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date.Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Improve your fitness, strength, and flexibility with adult ballet in a fun, supportive, and community-focused setting—no tutu required! Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking for a local alternative to city studios with city parking, we have a class for you! With multiple levels and schedules, our professionally trained instructors help you build technique, prevent injury, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of ballet. You will also get the opportunity to build community and friendships in a healthy and welcoming environment. Ballet 1 Specifics: Ready to build on your ballet basics? Ballet 1 is perfect for those who have completed Intro to Ballet or who have a solid grasp of foundational barre steps (plies, tendus, developpés, etc.). Continue developing technique, alignment, and artistry with individual corrections in an encouraging and welcoming setting. You will learn new barre and center steps, and begin incorporating more complex movements and arm positions (port de bras). This beginner-intermediate level class is also ideal for returning or advanced dancers looking to improve form in a slower-paced setting. Attend in person, online via Zoom, or a mix of both. Questions? Contact the instructor at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. Why take ballet? Here are some of our favorite benefits: Increased balance, strength, mobility, coordination, and flexibility Improve cardio, core strength and posture/alignment Reduce risk of Alzheimer's and dementia Stress reduction Injury and pain prevention “Putting your hand on the barre makes the rest of the world melt away”, also known as escape and you time! Perfect for helping you keep an active (and social) lifestyle! Meet Kaethe here: Kaethe ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date.Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Improve your fitness, strength, and flexibility with adult ballet in a fun, supportive, and community-focused setting—no tutu required! Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking for a local alternative to city studios with city parking, we have a class for you! With multiple levels and schedules, our professionally trained instructors help you build technique, prevent injury, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of ballet. You will also get the opportunity to build community and friendships in a healthy and welcoming environment. Ballet 2 Specifics: This intermediate-level class is perfect for dancers with experience in both barre and basic center work (such as balancé, pas de bourrée, piqué, basic pirouettes, and small jumps). You will have completed Ballet 1 to take this class. Build on your foundation with more complex steps, varied arm positions, and challenging combinations designed to improve strength, coordination, and artistry. Receive personal corrections to help you improve your technique and prevent injury. Ideal for adults and teens returning to ballet or looking to refine skills in a supportive, noncompetitive environment. Join in person, online via Zoom, or mix and match! Questions? Contact the instructor at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. Why take ballet? Here are some of our favorite benefits: Increased balance, strength, mobility, coordination, and flexibility Improve cardio, core strength and posture/alignment Reduce risk of Alzheimer's and dementia Stress reduction Injury and pain prevention “Putting your hand on the barre makes the rest of the world melt away”, also known as escape and you time! Perfect for helping you keep an active (and social) lifestyle! Kaethe Birkner: Kaethe is a professional ballet dancer and certified Pilates instructor through Balanced Body, with ten years of experience teaching ballet, Pilates, and stretching classes, and eight years of personal training. Her passion for ballet began at age two, followed by a love for Pilates during her ballet training. Kaethe integrates her expertise in ballet, Pilates, and physical therapy into her teaching, focusing on proper technique, injury prevention, and alignment. She tailors each class to the individual and group needs of her students, emphasizing hands-on corrections to engage both major and minor muscles. Kaethe aims to provide fun, full-body workouts that prioritize technique and safety. This is a hybrid class so you can attend in person or join online via Zoom or a mixture of both. Meet Kaethe here: Kaethe Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

You will have the opportunity to try ballet with Kaether Birkner's accomplished guest instructor. Get you ballet muscles warmed up before Kaethe's classes start the week following. Marina Hathway has previously danced with several companies, including the Kansas City Ballet and Cary Ballet Company. She brings a wealth of knowledge instilled in her from a conservatory education and a rich teaching career. Her passion for dance extends beyond ballet and includes all forms of dance as well as choreography, nutrition, and physical health and wellness for dancers.This led to her certifications in yoga, nutrition, and massage therapy. She hopes to share her love of dance and movement with everyone she meets Improve your fitness, strength, and flexibility with adult ballet in a fun, supportive, and community-focused setting—no tutu required! Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking for a local alternative to city studios with city parking, we have a class for you! With multiple levels and schedules, our professionally trained instructors help you build technique, prevent injury, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of ballet. You will also get the opportunity to build community and friendships in a healthy and welcoming environment. Ballet 2 Specifics: This intermediate-level class is perfect for dancers with experience in both barre and basic center work (such as balancé, pas de bourrée, piqué, basic pirouettes, and small jumps). You will have completed Ballet 1 to take this class. Build on your foundation with more complex steps, varied arm positions, and challenging combinations designed to improve strength, coordination, and artistry. Receive personal corrections to help you improve your technique and prevent injury. Ideal for adults and teens returning to ballet or looking to refine skills in a supportive, noncompetitive environment. Join in person, online via Zoom, or mix and match! Questions? Contact the instructor at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. Why take ballet? Here are some of our favorite benefits: Increased balance, strength, mobility, coordination, and flexibility Improve cardio, core strength and posture/alignment Reduce risk of Alzheimer's and dementia Stress reduction Injury and pain prevention “Putting your hand on the barre makes the rest of the world melt away”, also known as escape and you time! Perfect for helping you keep an active (and social) lifestyle! Kaethe Birkner: Kaethe is a professional ballet dancer and certified Pilates instructor through Balanced Body, with ten years of experience teaching ballet, Pilates, and stretching classes, and eight years of personal training. Her passion for ballet began at age two, followed by a love for Pilates during her ballet training. Kaethe integrates her expertise in ballet, Pilates, and physical therapy into her teaching, focusing on proper technique, injury prevention, and alignment. She tailors each class to the individual and group needs of her students, emphasizing hands-on corrections to engage both major and minor muscles. Kaethe aims to provide fun, full-body workouts that prioritize technique and safety. This is a hybrid class so you can attend in person or join online via Zoom or a mixture of both. Meet Kaethe here: Kaethe Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Learn ballet choreography created just for you! The beauty of ballet is most often seen through choreography and performance. This class allows you to be part of that beauty and fun! You will: Learn a newly choreographed group piece, specifically choreographed for those who have signed up for the class (meaning it will be based on steps you know, for the most part). Rehearse the piece and work to make it better once it is learned. Build strength and work on artistry Perform for your friends or family at the end of the class. (optional) The performance will be in the classroom only and will be optional. Those who chose not to perform will be given “understudy" roles, so you can learn and rehearse but not perform. It is recommended that you have at least a year of dance class experience (current or past) before signing up for this class. You are also required to take the Ballet 1 class that is before this class as a warm up. You must sign up and pay for that class separately. Those who miss the ballet class that day may come to rehearsal and take notes but not dance, as dancing cold is unsafe in ballet. Those who are sick or out of town may sign in online via Zoom to watch rehearsal and take notes if they choose and if they give the instructor sufficient notice. Meet your instructor Kaethe here: Kaethe _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Join us for this unforgettable experience with an amazing ballet classic! Whether you have taken ballet classes or you just love an evening out at the theater, you will enjoy this special opportunity created just for Edina Community Ed participants! Join us for an evening with Continental Ballet Company to watch their production of Giselle and receive a private talk to learn more about the ballet, the company and what it takes to put on such a production. As a bonus, you will get to see our very own ballet instructor, Kaethe Birkner, in her return to the stage, as she will be performing in this production! This event is for ages 10 and up. All youth must come with an adult. If you have questions, please email our ballet instructor Kaethe Birkner at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. Ballet Appreciation #1 : Giselle – Performance + Talk Bloomington Arts Center - Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 6:15pm to 9:30pm This performance will include a talk before the show. Your tickets to the show will be given to you when you sign-in for the talk. Please note, you will need to arrive at the theater, located in Bloomington, by 6:15pm. More details will be emailed out to participants closer to the show date. Please be sure the email you have on file with us is current. You must sign up by 2/27/26. If you wish to sign up past this date, please contact Edina Community Ed to see if it is possible. About Giselle: Full of ghosts and romance, this ballet tells the story of Giselle, a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman, Albrecht, thinking he is a peasant. Hilarion, another villager, is also in love with Giselle and he is jealous of her love for Albrecht. Albrecht is also engaged to a noble lady named Bathilde. Hilarion finds out Albrecht’s secret and tells the village that Albrecht is a nobleman and betrothed to someone else. When Albrecht’s true identity and engagement is revealed and Giselle learns they cannot be together, she dances herself to death because of her weak, and now broken, heart. After her death, Giselle becomes a Willis. Willis, led by their queen Myrtha, are all unmarried women who were scorned or betrayed by their lovers in life. They take revenge in the night on any man wondering the woods by making him dance himself to death. Hilarion goes to mourn at Giselle’s grave and is caught by the Willis and dies. Albrecht also goes to Giselle’s grave and is caught by the Willis. Albrecht and Giselle plead with Myrtha to spare him. Myrtha will not. Still, Giselle’s love protects Albrecht so he dances til dawn but doesn’t die. At dawn the Willis fade with the night, leaving Giselle, now freed from their power of vengeance and hate, saying goodbye to her love who is safe. This ballet is to the ballet world rather what Hamlet is to the theater world: a traditional classic that stands the test of time and is a recognizable name with a tragic story line that is performed all over the world by companies great and small. This is a Romantic-era ballet, which are known for their long, white tutus and stories filled with ghosts or other supernatural beings. A true classic that you will not want to miss! About Continental Ballet Company: Continental Ballet Company has been performing ballets from the classical repertoire for thirty-seven years. Under the direction of Founder, Riet Velthuisen, the company rehearses daily in their studio at the Bloomington Center for the Arts. Riet is originally from Holland where she danced professionally with several European companies including the Dutch National Ballet. CBC dancers are contracted each season and this year we welcome dancers from the Twin Cities, New York, Florida and Switzerland. They are all adult professionals with a minimum of seven years of training. The company is committed to providing enriching, entertaining and educational programs that advance the art of classical ballet and encourage community engagement. __________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Join us for one or two unforgettable experiences: watching an original ballet based on a beloved story! Whether you have taken ballet classes or you just love an evening out at the theater, you will enjoy this special opportunity created just for Edina Community Ed participants! Join our ballet instructor, Kaethe Birkner, for an evening or afternoon with Ballet Co. Laboratory to watch rehearsals of their production of Mary Poppins along with a behind the scenes opportunity at each offering. These events are for ages 10 and up. All youth must come with an adult. Please read through the descriptions carefully to ensure you choose the event that works best for you, your family, or your group. If you have questions, please email our ballet instructor Kaethe Birkner at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ballet Appreciation #1: Mary Poppins – In-Studio Rehearsal + Dancer Q&A Ballet Co. Laboratory, St. Paul - Friday, May 1, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm This rare opportunity will allow you to see an in-studio rehearsal for Mary Poppins only two weeks before it will be on stage. You will have a chance to see where the dancers rehearse everyday and get an up-close look at the rehearsal process. You will also be able to ask the dancers questions with a Q&A! This option will be held at Ballet Co. Laboratory’s studio in St. Paul. More details will be emailed out to participants closer to the show date. Please be sure the email you have on file with us is current. For option 1, you must sign up by 4/27/26. If you wish to sign up past this date, please contact Edina Community Ed to see if it is possible. Ballet Appreciation #2: Mary Poppins – Dress Rehearsal + Backstage Tour E.M. Pearson Theater at Concordia University, St Paul - Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5pm to 8pm Come and watch the dress rehearsal for the show Mary Poppins! Held in the theater, you will get to see first hand the work it takes to move a show from the studio to the stage and you’ll be the first to see the production onstage! Participants will also be given a backstage tour of the theater! Please note you must arrive by 5pm at E.M. Pearson Theater at Concordia University. More details will be emailed out to participants closer to the show date. Please be sure the email you have on file with us is current. For option 2, you must sign up by 5/6/26. If you wish to sign up past this date, please contact Edina Community Ed to see if it is possible. About Mary Poppins: Mary Poppins will sweep you into a world where anything can happen—blending unforgettable characters, dazzling choreography, and a dash of theatrical magic. Join us for a spoonful of sugar sure to stir your soul and set your imagination free. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Ballet Co. Laboratory: Ballet Co. Laboratory is Minnesota’s largest professional ballet company and school. Based in Saint Paul and established in 2018, they empower creativity while engaging communities in new ways of thinking, learning, and moving. Ballet Co.Laboratory is nationally recognized for challenging ballet’s “traditions that exclude” by reimagining how ballet is taught, created, and presented. __________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952